Nikwax Launches Softshell Proofing Treatment

Not only has the 'soft shell' concept - think water resistant rather than waterproof - proved a tad confusing, but knowing how to restore water repellancy to the numerous 'soft shell' fabrics now out there has also been a bit of a brain bender...

But maybe not any more with Nikwax Waterproofing releasing a new product descriptively titled 'Nikwax SoftShell Proof'. No prizes for guessing that it's a wash-in proofer intended for soft shell fabrics then.

The company says that it's been tested on Windstopper, Schoeller, Polartec and Windbloc fabrics and laboratory tests show that treating the fabrics with the new product after first washing with TechWash 'significantly increased water repellancy without compromising breathability'.

No heat required...

Interestingly, the proofer doesn't need heat treatment to activate it making it suitable for fabrics which can't be ironed or tumble-dried.

A couple of other interesting points. One was that normal detergent reduced the water reistance of Schoeller fabrics by compromising the factory-applied DWR, the application of SoftShell Proof apparently restored the water-repellancy to levels equal or greater than the original factory proofing.

Second, although Gore's Windstopper fabrics generally aren't treated with DWR, water repellancy can be added with SoftShell proof treatment. By contrast, because the garments aren't suitable for ironing or tumble-drying, fluorocarbon based water repellency treatments which require heat activation can't be used.

More Nikwax information on their web site. Details of price and availability as soon as we have them.